🎣Comments Requested on Exempted Fishing Permits for U.S. West Coast
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Applications for Exempted Fishing Permits
Summary
During the June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council reviewed and made recommendations to NMFS regarding applications received in 2025 for exempted fishing permits (EFPs) for U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries. All EFP applicants request exemptions from regulatory provisions pertaining to the use of authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The applicants propose to test the effects and efficacy of using alternative fishing practices to harvest swordfish and other HMS off of the U.S. West Coast. The applications include requests to fish with a gear configuration including modified standard and linked deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) at night, or night-set buoy gear (NSBG). NMFS has determined that these applications warrant further consideration and is requesting public comment on them.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The document outlines a request for public comments regarding applications for exempted fishing permits that may impact fishing practices and regulatory compliance for businesses in the fishing industry. Businesses seeking to test alternative fishing practices can leverage this opportunity for potential regulatory exemptions.